BRUSSELS - Mar 17 -
The judicial authorities in Brussels have found clear indications of fraud
in the financial records of the Church of Scientology and its affiliated
organization. The controversial religious movement has also repeatedly violated
the law on privacy. Scientology unlawfully keeps medical and personal information
on its members on file. This information was confirmed to De Morgen by "substitute"
[closest US equivalent probably: assistant district attorney] Christophe
Caliman of the financial section, who is coordinating the ongoing judicial
investigation. However, nobody has yet been charged at this point.

The investigation
was launched after a complaint in 1997 from an ex-member of Scientology,
who had tried in vain to get a refund of 700,000 Belgian francs [approx.
US$ 17,000], which she had paid for various courses. Last September searches
were made at a total of 25 locations, by request of investigating judge
Van Espen. At that time tons of documents and tens of computers were seized,
belonging both to the VZW [non-profit association] Scientology and a number
of satellite companies. Analysis of the huge amount of data is taking
longer than expected due to a shortage of staff, and the investigation
won't be concluded for another year.

Despite this there
are already "very sound indications" that Scientology committed
tax fraud, amongst other means by writing phony invoices. Scientology
companies sent each other invoices for services that were "more than
likely" never delivered. This financial merry-go-round remarkably
didn't benefit the Belgian branch of Scientology. The bulk of the money
was transferred to the American headquarters of the cult. The authorities
at first wanted to send an investigating commission to the United States,
but decided against it because of a lack of means.

Progress has also
been made in the investigation into privacy violations. The controversial
movement kept files about its members that hadn't been registered with
the Commission for the Protection of Privacy, which is legally required.
On top of that, there are indications of the unlawful practice of medicine.

Because investigations
are still ongoing, Caliman cannot formally state that Scientology is a
cult. "But if one looks at the criteria laid down by the parliamentary
inquiry to determine what constitutes a cult, Scientology scores 8 out
of 10."

Scientology spokesman
Marc Bromberg still denies all accusations: "Scientology didn't do
anything illegal". He sees the judicial interest in Scientology as
a reaction to the worldwide successes achieved by the movement. This week
Sweden became the first European country to recognize Scientology as an
official religion